What this change means
Lightning flashes above the thunder as the fourth and fifth lines move, and the gentle wind of Increase turns into a bite. The fifth line leads: a kind, generous heart is met with blessings and help from heaven, no questions needed. The fourth adds your role as a bridge between those above and those below, someone whose word is heard and followed. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even formal or legal steps if necessary. Set limits and act with energy. Kindness and firmness aren't opposites here. Because people trust your goodwill, they're more likely to accept a clear decision from you. Don't let generosity become a reason to avoid hard choices. Name the obstacle, act on it cleanly, and keep your heart open while you do. A fair, decisive step taken by a kind person rarely leaves lasting damage.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 42 Increase
A generous, kind heart is sure to receive help and blessings from heaven.
There is sincere trust and a kind heart: do not ask. Great good fortune. There is sincere trust: my virtue is met with kindness.
- Line 4 of 42 Increase
This is a time when you can mediate between those below and those above; your generosity draws blessings from everyone.
Walking the middle way; speaks to the duke and is followed. It is favorable to rely on this to move the capital.
- The judgment of 42 Increase
You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.
It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- The judgment of 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 42 Increaselines 4 and 5
Other transformations of Increase
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 2
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1 and 3
- 9Small Thingslines 2 and 3
- 12Declinelines 1 and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2 and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3 and 4
- 23The Falllines 1 and 5
- 41Decreaselines 2 and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 3 and 5
- 8Unionlines 1 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 2 and 6
- 63After the Endlines 3 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 4 and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.